Progress 09/01/02 to 08/31/07
Outputs
We showed that premature weaning impaired the social behavior of pigs, exacerbating the occurrence of aggression. The impairment in social behavior was associated with deficits in spatial memory, assessed using the modified Morris-Watermaze test previously validated in our laboratory. We investigated the mechanisms that could explain the impairment in social behavior in early weaned pigs. We reported that impaired social behavior in early-weaned pigs was associated with deficits in social recognition. We also reported that spatial memory was a good predictor of aggressive behavior in young pigs. Our hypothesis was that the disruption of brain organization at the frontal cortex and hippocampus, brain regions associated with memory regulation and organization of behavioral responses, could explain the social and spatial memory deficits reported. We further hypothesized that the exposure of the developing brain to stress hormones may have caused the disruption in the
frontal cortex and hippocampus. In support of our hypothesis we demonstrated that the mRNA expression for stress responsive genes: a) glucocorticoid receptor, b)mineralocorticoid receptor, c & d) 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (a, b, c & d= stress genes), was down regulated in the hippocampus of pigs weaned younger than 14 days of age. We also reported that single social isolation events, lasting for 15 minutes, had a profound impact on the expression of stress related genes in the frontal cortex. We further explored the impact of weaning age and social isolation measuring the expression of 866 genes, in the frontal cortex of piglets using a novel cDNA brain library. Social isolation had a significant impact on gene expression. We also validated the use of a collection protocol for non-invasive biomarkers of stress that has been used to sample 3,500 pregnant women in Michigan.
Impacts
We anticipate that producers will be able to use our research findings to effectively address problems related to aggression in pigs. The practice of early weaning should be discouraged, because it causes clear and measurable detrimental effects on the welfare of pigs. Protocols to ameliorate the negative impacts of suboptimal early environment on social behavior could be easily developed using the information generated in our research. The use of our collection protocol to harvest biological samples to measure stress hormones in a non-invasive way has enormous potential to unravel the relationship between early environment and behavioral outcomes in animals including humans.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
We showed that premature weaning impaired the social behavior of pigs, exacerbating the occurrence of aggression. The impairment in social behavior was associated with deficits in spatial memory, assessed using the modified Morris-Watermaze test previously validated in our laboratory. We investigated the mechanisms that could explain the impairment in social behavior in early weaned pigs. We reported that impaired social behavior in early-weaned pigs was associated with deficits in social recognition. We also reported that spatial memory was a good predictor of aggressive behavior in young pigs. Our hypothesis was that the disruption of brain organization at the frontal cortex and hippocampus, brain regions associated with memory regulation and organization of behavioral responses, could explain the social and spatial memory deficits reported. We further hypothesized that the exposure of the developing brain to stress hormones may have caused the disruption in the
frontal cortex and hippocampus. In support of our hypothesis we demonstrated that the mRNA expression for stress responsive genes: a) glucocorticoid receptor, b)mineralocorticoid receptor, c & d) 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (a, b, c & d= stress genes), was down regulated in the hippocampus of pigs weaned younger than 14 days of age. We also reported that single social isolation events, lasting for 15 minutes, had a profound impact on the expression of stress related genes in the frontal cortex. We further explored the impact of weaning age and social isolation measuring the expression of 866 genes, in the frontal cortex of piglets using a novel cDNA brain library. Social isolation had a significant impact on gene expression. We also validated the use of a collection protocol for non-invasive biomarkers of stress that has been used to sample 3,500 pregnant women in Michigan.
Impacts
We anticipate that producers will be able to use our research findings to effectively address problems related to aggression in pigs. The practice of early weaning should be discouraged, because it causes clear and measurable detrimental effects on the welfare of pigs. Protocols to ameliorate the negative impacts of suboptimal early environment on social behavior could be easily developed using the information generated in our research. The use of our collection protocol to harvest biological samples to measure stress hormones in a non-invasive way has enormous potential to unravel the relationship between early environment and behavioral outcomes in animals including humans.
Publications
- Souza, A.S.; Jansen, J.; Tempelman, R.; Mendl, M. & Zanella, A.J. 2006. A novel approach to testing social recognition in young pigs and the modulating effects of relocation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science
- Jones, N.M.; Holzman, C.B.; Zanella, A.J.; Leece, C.M. and Rahbar, M.H. 2006. Assessing Mid-Trimester Salivary Cortisol Levels Across Three Consecutive Days In Pregnant Women Using An At-Home Collection Protocol Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
- Poletto, R.; Siegford, J.M.; Steibel, J.P.; Coussens, P.M. & Zanella A.J. 2005. Investigation of changes in global gene expression in the frontal cortex of early-weaned and socially isolated piglets using microarray and quantitative real-time RT-PCR Brain Research
- Poletto, R.; Siegford, J.M.; Steibel, J.P.; Zanella AJ. 2005. Effects of early weaning and social isolation on the expression of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor and 11 beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mRNAs in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of piglets. Brain Research
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
We incorporated assessment of pain in lame dairy cattle in our research program. We examined cognitive abilities and agonistic behavior in young female pigs to determine whether spatial learning (SL) was correlated with social recognition (SR) and post-mixing aggression. SL and SR require activation of the hippocampus, a brain area susceptible to damage by stress hormones thus they may be correlated. Therefore, pigs performing well in SL should remember other pigs more easily in SR and might use information of previous social encounters to avoid fights when mixed. SL of pigs was tested twice (d13 and d14) using a modified water maze (WM) in which pigs in a pool of opaque water locate a submerged platform. Good (GP; n=23) and poor performers (PP; n=24) were selected based on latencies from previous WM results for pigs of this age. Animals were familiarized at d20 and d21 in arenas divided by flexible netting. SR testing was subsequently carried out at d21 and d22. At
d23, all pigs were weaned. On d24, piglets were retested in the WM. At d25, pigs were mixed in groups of 6 GP or PP pigs and duration and number of fights were monitored for 1 day. Pre-mixing familiarization leads to a decrease in post-mixing fights (F(1,43)= 4.75; p=0.03. In the first 3 hours post-mixing, unfamiliar PP pigs fight more than other groups (F(1,43)=14.33; p<0.001, suggesting a correlation between SL and post-mixing aggression. Duration of fights was significantly affected by interaction of day with familiarity (F(1,43)=4.61; p=0.4) and time of day with WM performance (F(1,43)=4.41; p=0.04). From these results, protocols could be developed to familiarize litters to reduce post-mixing aggression in production. Pain assessment is an important component to maintain good animal welfare. Biomarkers used to assess stress responses also tend change in response to pain. Currente biomarkers used to assess pain show high variability and they lack specificity to indicate the degree
of pain experienced by individual animals. Beta-endorphin is one of the key endogenous mechanism to inhibit inflammatory pain by interacting with mu and delta opioid receptors present within and outside the central nervous system. Changes in expression of opioid precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), have been described in models of acute inflammatory pain in affected tissues and immune cells. We are assessing the relationship in the expression of POMC and interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta) in the spinal cord (SC) and white blood cells (WBC) of cows with behavioral variables that have being used as measures of lameness severity (e.g. posture, gait). Our preliminary results demonstrated that the SC of cows that are clinically lame have an increased POMC and a decreased IL-1 beta gene expression compared to clinically sound cows. Interestingly, a similar pattern of changes in the IL-1 beta gene expression was observed in circulating WBC. These findings suggest that gene expression patterns in
WBC may represent a promising method to monitor long-term consequences of pain in lame dairy cows.
Impacts
Animal welfare assessment using behavioral and physiological markers without the knowledge of the environmental variables, which contribute to the development of the coping strategies, has severe limitations. As an example, we demonstrated that there was a relationship between spatial memory and social behavior in pigs. Our work has provided novel ways to assess the current status of animal welfare science in US Animal Science and Large Animal Clinical Sciences Departments through an in depth survey (Heleski, et al., 2003 and Heleski et al., in press). We also hosted 8 schools in the third animal welfare judging concept which captures our holistic approach to assessing animal welfare. The same strategy facilitated a second successful grant application to the USDA to develop teaching material for graduated students interested in animal welfare. Our research work investigating the relationship between lameness and pain in dairy cattle evolved into a regional grant
submitted to the USDA-NRI program.
Publications
- Dembiec, D.P.; Snider, R. and Zanella, A.J. (2004) The effects of transport stress on tiger physiology and behavior. Zoo Biology 23:335-346
- Heleski, C; Mertig, A.; and Zanella, A.J. (2004) Assessing attitudes toward farm animal welfare: a national survey of animal science faculty members. J. Anim. Sci. 82:2806-2814
- Heleski, C; Mertig, A.; and Zanella, A.J. (2005) Attitudes toward farm animal welfare: results of a national survey of US veterinary college faculty. JAVMA
- Moons, C., Laughlin, K., Zanella (2005) Effects of short-term maternal separations on weaning stress in foals. Applied Animal Behavior Science
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Weaning is an important event in the postnatal organization of brain pathways associated with coping strategies in mammalian species. Age dependent plasticity is exhibited by brain pathways associated with memory, reward, pain, and pleasure among others, and the exposure of brain pathways to stress hormones at an early age can compromise their optimal organization. We examined the role of stress hormones on spatial and social memory in order to attempt to understand the development of social behavior and aggression in pigs. Weaning pigs at an early age (e.g. less than two weeks of age) can impair spatial memory and compromise the development of social behavior, including formation of social hierarchies which involve aggressive interactions, an important issue for the swine industry. Injuries resulting from aggressive encounters can cause pain and suffering and they may also cause losses in meat quality. Restrictive housing systems (e.g. gestating crates for sows) are
used to minimize the consequences of aggression. We demonstrated that pigs weaned at an early age exhibited dysfunctional activation of the stress-axis. Aggressive encounters are of longer duration for pigs weaned younger than two weeks of age. Pigs weaned younger than two weeks of age are less likely to win fights which they initiate, indicating that pigs of this age are not assessing social situations optimally. We are also investigating the role of early environmental variables on the organization of behavioral and physiological responses of companion animal (dogs and cats) and zoo animals (tigers). We are collaborating with Dr. James Serpell (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr. Paul Mundell (Canine Companions for Independence) to study the impact of early environmental variables, particularly the activation of the stress axis, on the success of service dogs. A significant number of dogs selected to assist human companions fail the training protocol and understanding the reasons
for this failure could improve procedure for selecting dogs. Cats are relinquished to animal shelters because they do not match the expectations or lifestyle of the adopting family. More than 33,000 cats were euthanized in Michigan in 1998. Our work demonstrated that temperament testing of domestic cats can predict their responses to a variety of biologically relevant tests throughout their lifespan (Siegford et al., in press). We predict that careful behavioral testing can maximize the chances for a successful adoption. Welfare assessment of zoo animals has not been subjected to scientific investigation to the same degree as the assessment of domestic animal welfare. We demonstrated that previous experience can minimize the activation of the stress-axis during transportation (Dembiec et al., in press). Finally, our research work using animal models to study the impact of stress on the organization of brain pathways associated with coping strategies was fundamental in developing a
grant proposal which was submitted to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in October.
Impacts
Animal welfare assessment using behavioral and physiological markers without the knowledge of the environmental variables which contribute to the development of the "coping strategies" has severe limitations. As an example, we demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in the ability of pigs to establish stable social order when they were weaned younger than two weeks of age, suggesting that later weaning allows pigs to develop abilities needed to handle changing social situations more readily. Our research investigating environmental variables which compromises the welfare and trainability of companion animals has received attention from animal shelters and will be used to facilitate successful cat adoptions. Our work has provided novel ways to integrate these variables and has facilitated the transfer of the information to an interested audience through both peer reviewed publication and a broader audience using the animal welfare judging concept (Heleski,
et al., 2003) which captures our holistic approach to assessing animal welfare. The same strategy facilitated a successful grant application to the USDA to develop teaching material for graduated students interested in animal welfare. Our research work investigating the impact of weaning age on spatial and social memory was featured in the National Press (Chronicle of Higher Education).
Publications
- Broom, D.M. and Zanella, A.J. 2004. Brain measures which tell us about animal welfare. Anim. Welf. In press.
- Dembiec, D., Snider, R., and Zanella A.J. 2004. Physiological effects of transportation stress on captive tigers. Zoo Biol. In press.
- Heleski, C.R., Zanella A.J. and Pajor, E. 2003. Animal welfare judging teams -a way to interface welfare science with traditional animal science curricula? Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 81:279-289.
- Jansen, J., Yuan, Y. and Zanella, A.J. 2003. The influence of weaning age on post-mixing agonistic interactions in growing pigs. Proc. 37th Int. Cong. ISAE 54:133.
- Laughlin, K., Wilson, E. and Zanella, A.J. 2004. Modification of the water maze procedure to examine cognitive processes in nursing and newly weaned pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. In press.
- Siegford, J.M., Walshaw, S.O., Brunner, P. and Zanella, A.J. 2004. Validation of a temperament test for domestic cats. Anthrozoos. In press.
- Silveira de Souza, A. and Zanella, A.J. 2003. A novel approach to testing social recognition in pigs and the modulating effects of relocation. Proc. 37th Int. Cong. ISAE 54:162.
- Yuan Y., Jansen J., Charles D., and Zanella A.J. 2004. The influence of weaning age on post- mixing agonistic interactions in growing pigs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. In press.
- Zanella, A.J., Hodges, H. and Palme, R. 2003. Glucocorticoids and their metabolites in the hippocampus of weaned and unweaned piglets. Proc. 37th. Int. Cong. ISAE 54:116.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The porcine brain cDNA library has been completed and micro-array resources have been developed with the help from the MSU Center for Animal Functional Genomics (CAFG). A cDNA microarray has been created by amplifying 768 unique clones and spotting each amplicon in triplicate on glass slides. We have completed tissue collection to assess the ontogeny of receptors associated with the stress-axis responsiveness, in pigs (pre and post-natal). We are currently exploring the association between early-weaning and hippocampal steroid concentration and its impact on pig cognition. The hippocampus, a brain region that controls memory processes has binding sites for adrenal steroids. We characterized the array and concentration of glucocorticoids and their metabolites in the hippocampus of piglets weaned at 12 days of age and their unweaned littermates, at basal and post-social isolation stress. Cortisol, the glucocorticoid hormone present at the highest concentration in the
peripheral circulation, had the lowest concentration among the measured steroids (p<0.01). Social isolation induced an increase in hippocampal cortisol and corticosterone levels in unweaned pigs but did not affect glucocorticoid levels in weaned animals. Our protocols for in-situ hybridization to characterize the distribution of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoid receptors have been optimized. We also have confirmed our previous research demonstrating that early-weaning can alter, in a significant way, some aspects of spatial memory and social behavior in pigs. Our association with the MSU department of epidemiology is evolving into a multidisciplinary grant to study the impact of early environmental factors on behavioral development and emotional regulation in animals, including humans. The dissemination of research results on our research work looking at early experience and animal welfare has benefited immensely by the use of our unique animal welfare judging approach and
associated digital media. Animal welfare judging competition carried out in 2002 and training of undergraduate students for the 2003 competition helped to translate scientific data into a format that has facilitated its use by interested parties (graduate and undergraduate students, scientists, producers, commodity groups, general public among many others).
Impacts
Our data will influence decision making related to the acceptable age that pigs can be weaned. Our prediction is that the unequivocal information on the cognitive deficits experienced by early-weaned pigs, when subjected to stressful situations, will motivate careful consideration on handling strategies for young pigs.
Publications
- R. Waltman, C.R. Heleski & A.J. Zanella (2002) The impact of the animal welfare judging team experience on undergraduate students, Regional ISAE, poster presentation, 2002, Quebec City
- C.R. Heleski, A.J. Zanella, E.A. Pajor (in press) Animal welfare judging teams - a way to interface welfare science with traditional animal science curricula? Applied Animal Behaviour Science (accepted, 2002; in press, 2003)
- C.R. Heleski, A.J. Zanella, E.A. Pajor (2002) A novel method for teaching animal welfare concepts: animal welfare judging/assessment teams ASAS abstracts, 2002, Quebec City
- K. Laughlin & Zanella, A.J. 2002. Integrating practical elements into a theoretical applied animal behavior course for Animal Science undergraduates. Proceedings of the North American Regional Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Quebec City, Canada.
- K. Laughlin, M. Bouchey, B. Koenigsknecht, A. Malfroid, B. Wise, R. Zalewski & A.J. Zanella (2002). Behavioral responses of horses to familiar and unfamiliar vocalizations: an applied ethology project for Animal Science undergraduates. Proceedings of the North American Regional Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Quebec City, Canada.
- E. Rivera, S. Benjamin, B.D. Nielsen, J. Shelle & A.J. Zanella (2002) Behavioral and physiological responses of horses to initial training: the comparison between pasture and stalled horses Applied Animal Behavior Science 78:235-252.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
We validated the use of salivary cortisol to assess endocrine status of horses (van der Kolk et al., 2001). One of our research goals is to collect more precise data on cortisol release in animals. We recently received NSF funding to develop micro sensor technology to measure real time cortisol release in biological fluids. Srinivas Tadigadapa, from Penn State University, has developed the prototype of the micro sensor. The initial phase of the experiment will be carried out using in-vitro techniques to validate the sensor in comparison to conventional analytical technology (e.g. radio immunoassay and ELISA). We studied the effects of stress during early development on behavioral development Beginning at approximately two weeks old, quarter-horse foals underwent six ten-minute separations from their dam at two-weeks interval (n=5) (Moons & Zanella, 2001). A control group (n=5) was not separated. Behavioral and physiological measures were taken on the days pre-, during
and post-weaning. Saliva samples for cortisol measurement were collected prior to observations and at 18:30h. Weaning caused a significant increase from day 1 to day 3 in the frequency of vocalizing defecating, pawing, investigating, looking forward, standing , and walking. Gender affected the behavioral responses of foals to weaning (lying down, vocalizing, defecating & drinking). There was a significant day and time interaction in cortisol responses to weaning. Weaning caused a significant increase in heart rate, and a day and time interaction was found. There were no consistent behavioral and physiological differences between treatment and control animals. We received funds from the USA-NRI- Animal Health and Well-being to address the impact of weaning age on cognition in pigs (MICL01853). We will use glucocorticoid antagonists to block the activation of the receptors in animals subjected to early or conventional weaning. We are currently developing a novel concept to be used for
undergraduate teaching and potential stockmen training in animal welfare science (Heleski, Zanella & Pajor, 2001). Michigan State University and collaborators will organize the first animal welfare-judging contest in March of 2002. The objective of the animal welfare judging team is to present to undergraduate students the concept of animal welfare in a format that is familiar and challenging for them. We will offer the opportunity for students to assess the welfare of animals maintained in different housing, husbandry, nutrition, and environmental conditions. Students will be exposed to the existing literature on animal welfare and will be presented with hypothetical (or real) scenarios using multi-media (CD-rooms primarily) and their task will be to compare the scenarios on the basis of their acceptability regarding welfare standards. After completing the assessment, students will be asked to justify their placements. The appeal related to such concept has to do with the fact that
students will explore their ability to integrate their knowledge on welfare assessment.
Impacts
The validation of saliva as a biological fluid to measure cortisol in young horses and in horses with adrenal dysfunction will be very beneficial to assess the consequences of management and housing decisions on the welfare of young and adult horses and it will, potentially, facilitate owners to monitor the adequacy on the therapeutic strategies to treat horses with adrenal dysfunction. The first Animal Welfare Judging class was taught in the fall of 2001. We already accomplished our goals in terms of student's enrollment. Four schools (Canada and USA) confirmed their presence for the March competition at Michigan State University
Publications
- Zanella, A.J. & Duran, O. (2001) The Welfare of pigs during loading and transportation: a North-American perspective. A Hora Veterinaria, 20 (120) 77-82.
- Coe, C.C.; Dantzer, R.; Jensen, P.; Lightman, S.L.; Nelson, R.J.; Porges, S.; Reul, J.M.H.M.; Rushen, J.; Stefanski, V. and Zanella, A.J.(2002) Key elements of coping. In Broom, D.M. (editor). Dahlem Workshop.
- Van der Kolk, J.H.; Nachreiner, R.F.; Schott, H.C.; Refsal, K.R. and Zanella, A.J. (2001) Salivary and plasma concentration of cortisol in normal horses and horses with Cushing's disease. Equine Veterinary Journal, 33 (2) 211-213.
- Heleski, C.; Shelle, A.C.; Nielsen, B.D. and Zanella, A.J. (2002) Influence of housing on weanling horse behavior and subsequent welfare. Applied Animal Behavior Science.
- Rivera, E. ; Benjamin, S.; Nielsen, B.D.; Shelle, J. & Zanella, A.J. (2002) Behavioral and physiological responses of horses to initial training: the comparison between pasture and stalled horses (in press) Applied Animal Behavior Science.
- Moons, C. and Zanella, A.J. (2001) Effect of short-term separations on weaning stress in foals. In Garner, J.; Mench, J. and Heekin, S. (Editors). Proceedings of the 35th International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology. Unversity of California, Davis, August 4-9, 2001.
- Heleski, C.R., Zanella, A.J. & Pajor, E.(2001) Animal welfare judging teams- can this be a way to interface welfare science with traditional animal science curricula. In Garner, J.; Mench, J. and Heekin, S. (Editors). Proceedings of the 35th International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology. Unversity of California, Davis, August 4-9, 2001.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Hosted 2 events at the CANR Week in March 2000, discussing international aspects associated with animal welfare laws and regulations in Europe and North America. The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (EMBRAPA) invited A.J. Zanella to collaborate on a research project looking at the impact of transportation on the welfare of pigs and meat quality. Zanella helped to set up the experimental protocol. Invited lectures at the American Society for Animal Science meeting on the subject of pig transportation, the Brazilian Ethological Society, the 34th conference of the International Society for Applied Ethology October 2000, the Dahlem Conference in Berlin addressing the topic of Coping With Difficulties, The Welfare of Animals Including Humans. Continued the genetic selection (4th generation) of minks in relation to the performance of stereotypes. The goal of the selection protocol is to understand the interaction between early environment and performance of behavioral
abnormalities. The animals will be ideally suited for studies looking at the ontogeny of stereotypes. Research project investigating the role of the stress axis on premature delivery in women. Completed study looking at impact of early environment on the ability of foals to cope with weaning stress. Christel Moons (MS candidate) subjected foals to 6 short-term separations during lactation and monitored their behavioral and physiological responses to weaning. Physiological measures based on salivary cortisol levels; this measure was validated in our laboratory. Tested the responses of pigs to exogenous administration of an antagonist to the corticotropin releasing factor. Contrary to the1999 report, the antagonist failed to suppress the release of ACTH and cortisol in a model of long-term maternal deprivation stress. These unexpected findings prompted the initiation of a more in-depth study of the central regulation of the stress axis. Developed tests to assess spatial and social
memory in young pigs in order to determine effects of glucocorticoid exposure on indicators of hippocampal integrity and function. Tested effects of exogenous glucocorticoid administration on social memory in young pigs. Cortisol induced changes in the time taken for young pigs (10 days of age) to initiate social interactions, the effect was not seen in older pigs (20 days of age). Cortisol injection did not affect indicators of social memory as measured by the time that pigs spent investigated unfamiliar animals exposed for 4 times. Currently assessing impact of stress during early development in pigs in the central organization of the stress axis. USDA grant proposal to investigate the role of hippocampal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoids on the responses of pigs to stress. Generated some preliminary data on distribution of glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) in the brain of young pigs. Collaborating with P. Plotsky, Emory University, Atlanta, to assess the ontogeny
of GR and MR in the pig brain and monitoring the effect of stress during early development on brain organization.
Impacts
The involvement of faculty and students in the animal behavior and welfare seminar series indicated that the program has developed strong scientific basis for discussion. MSU faculty, staff and students participated in the workshop organized by the animal behavior and welfare group. In addition the grouwing number of scientists requesting sabbatical and internship at Michigan State University to work wioth the PI (Zanella) indicates that the program has generated international visibility.
Publications
- Coe, C.C.; Dantzer, R.; Jensen, P.; Lightman, S.L.; Nelson, R.J.; Porges, S.; Reul, J.M.H.M.;Rushen, J.; Stefanski, V. and Zanella, A.J. 2000 (in press). Key elements of coping. In: Broom, D.M. (editor). Dahlem Workshop.
- Zanella, A.J. and Mendl, M. (2000) Behavioral responses to maternal deprivation stress in domestic animals are mediated by glucocorticoid action in hippocampal cells. Proceedings of the 34th Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology. Florianopolis, Brazil, October-17-20.
- Swine transportation:a ritical review.A.J.Zanella 2000 Department of Animal Science,Michigan State University,East Lansing - ASAS/ADSA 2000 Annual Joint Meeting
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
I. Non-invasive techniques: Our laboratory continued to act as a reference center for non-invasive assessment of stress hormones in different animal species. We completed a project looking at the usefulness of salivary hormones to monitor Cushing's disease in horses (Kolk, et. al in preparation). We also validated the use of fecal cortisol and aldosterone concentration to monitor the activity of the stress axis in mink (Tauchi et al., 1999) and wild cats (Shelle et al., in prep.) II. Early environment and behavior: We completed a project studying the contribution of early environment on the modulation of physiological and behavioral adaptive responses of pigs. Behavioral and physiological responses of early weaned (9-12) and conventionally weaned (20-21 days) pigs were monitored (Yuan et al., 1999). The goal of the project was to investigate the consequences associated with weaning stress and to develop ways to ameliorate its negative effects. Early weaning caused an
increase in the occurrence of behavior abnormalities and induced a sustained increase in urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio (marker of stress). This work suggests that the welfare of early-weaned piglets, under current practices, may be at risk. Using funds, which were received from the Rackham Foundation, we (Zanella, A.J.; Duran, O. and Smith, G.) are presently investigating a novel pharmacological approach to minimize weaning stress in piglets. We monitored peripheral cortisol and ACTH concentrations in pigs treated with two antagonists of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor. The CRF receptor antagonist Astressin (Sigma Corporation), but not a non-peptide antagonist was effective in suppressing the post-weaning increase in cortisol and ACTH concentrations. We (Heleski, C.; Shelle, A.; Nielsen, B. and Zanella, A.J.) studied the impact of the weaning environment in the welfare of foals, using behavioral and physiological markers. Single housed foals showed a significant
increase in lying time compared to group housed animals. Behavioral abnormalities were only observed in single housed animals. III. The development of an animal model to study the genetic aspects associated with the development of behavioral abnormalities is in progress (Zanella, A.J. and Aulerich, R.). We completed a study looking at the short and long term regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in a population of mink (Mustela vison) selected to perform low or high levels of abnormal repetitive behavior (stereotypies) (Tauchi et al., 1999). The selection criteria were applied for three generations. The results indicated that animals with high levels of stereotypies showed low physiological responses to stressors, measured by fecal and urinary cortisol levels.
Impacts
The major impact of the current project is evident by the high awareness related to applied animal behavior and welfare issues at Michigan State University. The Animal Behavior and Welfare Group hosted scientists from Europe (3) and Latin America (1) in 1999 demonstrating the international visibility of the program.
Publications
- Yuan, Y., Charles, D., Tauchi, M. and Zanella, A.J. 1999. Segregated early weaning affects behavior and adrenal responses in piglets. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
- Yuan, Y., Charles, D., Tauchi, M. and Zanella, A.J. 1999. Segregated early weaning affects behavior and adrenal responses in pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 77:150.
- Zanella, A.J. 1999 Hippocampal glucocorticoids and their receptors are the mediators of behavioral responses to stress. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
- Brady, C.; Corn, C.; Shelle, J.E.; Zanella, A.J.' Marteniuk, J.; Hitzler, P. and Fogwell, R. (1999) The effects of reproductiove management systems on luteinizing hormone, estradiol 17-beta, cortisol and beta-endorphin in mares. Journal of Animal Science, 77:238.
- Lebelt, D., Benda, C., Schonreiter, S. Zanella, A.J. and Unshelm, J. 1999. Untersuchungen zu Nozizeption, Herzfrequenz sowie-beta-Endorphin- und Kortisol-Plasmakonzentrationen bei koppenden und webenden Pferden. Aktuelle Arbeiten zur artmassen Tierhaltung 1998. KTBL. 90-97.
- Schonreiter, S., Zanella, A.J. and Unshelm, J. 1999. Technique for continuous monitoring of salivary cortisol concentration in pigs. Laboratory Animal Science. 49:429-432.
- Schonreiter, S., Huber, H., Lohmuler, V., Zanella, A.J., Unshelm. J.; Henke, J. and Erhardt, W. 1999. Speichelcortisol als Stressparameter bei Saugferkeln. Tieraerztliche Praxis. 27:175-179.
- Golin, H.A., R.J. Balander, A.P. Rahn and Zanella, A.J. 1999. Distribution of behavior patterns in market turkeys in relation to age and time of day. Poultry Science 78 (Supplement 1):27.
- Heleski, C., Shelle, A.C., Nielsen, B. and A.J.Zanella 1999. Comparison of behavior and welfare in weanling horses under two industry-practiced weaning methods. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
- Rivera, E., Nielsen, B., Shelle, J.E. and Zanella, A.J. 1999. The effect of housing environment on responses of horses to initial training. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
- Schonreiter, S., Exner, C., Unshelm, J. and Zanella, A.J. 1999. Changes in stress parameters in saliva of pigs during transportation. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
- Exner, C.and Zanella, A.J. 1999. Salivary cortisol in elephants-a pilot study. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
- Yuan, Y.; Tauchi, M. and Zanella, A.J. 1999. The behavioral and physiological responses of pigs to segregated early weaning. American Society of Animal Science. Journal of Animal Science, 77:35.
- Heleski,C.R.; Shelle, A.C. Nielsen, B.D. and Zanella, A.J. (1999) Influence of housing on behavior in weanling horses. Symposium of the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society, Raleigh, NC, June 2-5, 1999.
- Tauchi, M., Yuan, Y., Aulerich, R.J. and Zanella, A.J. 1999. The association between genotype, stereotypies and fecal steroids in mink. In: Boe, K.E.; Bakken, M. & Braastada, B.O. (editors). Proceedings of the 33rd International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Lillehammer, Norway, August 17-21, 1999.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
I. Human handling strategies and their impact on animal behavior and welfare was the subject of two MS thesis, which were completed under the umbrella of the project MICL01853. Personality profile of students and their interaction with pigs handled through an obstacle course were monitored. In addition to measures of human and pig behavior, salivary cortisol (a marker of stress) was monitored in pigs and humans. The protocol used to assess personality profile in humans could predict the outcome of the interaction (aggressive or non-aggressive) and the consequent levels of stress in the pigs. The study also identified successful handling strategies that were correlated with the problem solving ability of the human handler. We also investigated the behavioral and physiological responses of pigs to the use of electric prod. These data demonstrated unequivocally that the use of the electric prod cause severe behavioral and physiological changes in pigs (increase in heart
rate, body temperature & salivary cortisol). The results of both studies were presented in national and international meetings. II. The contribution of early environment on the modulation of physiological and behavioral adaptive responses was studied in young pigs. The goal of the project was to investigate ways to reduce weaning stress in piglets. Piglets were weaned at conventional age (20-23 days of age) or early (Segregate Early Weaning; 10-13 days of age). Behavioral observations and physiological measurements were carried out (using non-invasive techniques) in piglets weaned at different ages. Early weaning caused an increase in the occurrence of behavior abnormalities and a sustained increase in urinary cortisol levels (cortisol/creatinine ratio). This work suggests that the welfare of early-weaned piglets, under current practices, may be at risk. We are presently investigating a novel pharmacological approach to minimize weaning stress in piglets. III. The development of
behavioral abnormalities is commonly used as an indicator of poor welfare. We studied the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in a population of mink selected to perform low or high levels of abnormal repetitive behavior (stereotypies). The selection criteria were applied for two generations. The preliminary results are very promising. Selected lines showed consistently high levels of behavior abnormalities and had higher activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Schonreiter, S.; Huber, H.; Lohmuler, V.; Zanella, A.J.; Unshelm. J.; Henke, J. and Erhardt, W. 1998. Speichelcortisol als Stressparameter bei Saugferkeln. Tieraerztliche Praxis. In press.
- Lebelt, D.; Zanella, A.J. and Unshelm, J. 1998. Physiological correlates associated with cribbing behaviour in horses: changes in thermal threshold, heart rate, plasma beta-endorphin and serotonin. Equine Veterinary Journal. In press.
- Mendl, M., Broom, D.M. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Multiple mechanisms may affect birth sex ratio in domestic pigs. Animal Behaviour, 55:773-776
- Zanella, A.J.; Brunner, P.; Unshelm, J.; Broom, D.M. and Mendl, M.T. 1998. The relationship between housing and social rank on cortisol, beta endorphin and dynorphin 1-13 secretion in sows. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 59: 1-10.
- Exner, C. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Detection of daily cortisol and catecholamine pattern in zoo elephants. Advances in Ethology, 33:111. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Physiology of Wild and Zoo Animals, Berlin. Abstract.
- D Agostino, J.; Palme, R.; Oleas, T.; Shelle, A. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Steroid metabolites as an indicator of chronic stress. Advances in Ethology, 33:17. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Physiology of Wild and Zoo Animals, Berlin. Abstract.
- Brady, C.M.; Corn, C.D.; Marteniuk, J.V.; Shelle, J.E.; Zanella, A.J. and Fogwell, R.L. 1998. The effect of management on reproductive hormones in mares. North American Regional Meeting, International Society for Applied Ethology, East Lansing, June 26-27, 1998. Abstract.
- Brundige, L.; Oleas, T.; Doumit, M. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Loading techniques and their effect on behavioral and physiological responses of market weight pigs. Journal of Animal Science 76, supp. 1:99. Abstract.
- Bush, C.R.; Zanella, A.J. and Aulerich, R.J. 1998. Assessing behavioral changes in mink exposed to environmental contaminants. North American Regional Meeting, International Society for Applied Ethology, East Lansing, June 26-27, 1998. Abstract.
- Gemus, M.; Bartlett, P.C.; Gendron, M.; Nachreiner, R.F. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Human characteristics and handling strategies: their effects on the physiological and behavioral responses of juvenile pigs. North American Regional Meeting, International Society for Applied Ethology, East Lansing, June 26-27, 1998. Abstract.
- Gemus, M.; Bartlett, P.C.; Nachreiner, R.F. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Human characteristics and handling strategies: their effects on the physiological and behavioral responses of juvenile pigs. Proceedings of the 32 Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology. July 21-25, Clermont-Ferrant, France. Abstract.
- Gemus, M. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. A study of behavioral and physiological responses of pigs to student handlers. American Society of Animal Science, Midwestern Section, Des Moines.
- Gemus, M., Bartlet, P., Nachreiner, R. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. Human Characteristics and handling strategies: effects on the physiological and behavioural responses of juvenile pigs. Proceedings of the International Pig Veterinary Society, Birmingham, UK. Abstract.
- Tauchi, M.; Unshelm, J. and Zanella, A.J. 1998. The effect of dogs on physiological responses of humans facing a challenging task. Proceedings of the 32 Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology. July 21-25, Clermont-Ferrant, France. Abstract.
- Zanella, A.J. and Brundige, L. 1998. Short and long term effect of loading techniques on behavioural and physiological responses of market weight pigs. Proceedings of the 32 Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology. July 21-25, Clermont-Ferrant, France. Abstract.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
A) Non-invasive techniques: My laboratory developed protocols to measure concentrations of steroid hormones and metabolites in saliva and urine samples from several animal species. This approach has applications for clinical diagnosis of diseases affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Considering that for the assessment of animal welfare the procedure of collecting biological samples should not, in itself, be stressful for the animal, non-invasive techniques are becoming increasingly useful to monitor physiological status in animals. B) Modulation of cortisol release: An in-vitro system has been developed to assess the mechanisms which modulate the adrenal cortex responsiveness to ACTH. The system can deliver different compounds to 20 individual incubation chambers. This system will be very useful to study the effect of chronic stress on the activation of the HPA-axis. C) Abnormal behavior in animals:
Captive animals often develop stereotypies, which are repetitive behavioral patterns with no obvious goal or function. My laboratory investigated some neurophysiological correlates associated with the development of stereotypies in minks (Mustela vison) . Associations were found between stereotypies, opioid system, HPA-axis activity and dopaminergic system. Behavior observation indicated that high stereotypic animals had poor performance in tests designed to assess cognitive ability. D) Handling, loading and transportation: Groups of three pigs were guided by inexperienced handlers (n=32) through a circuit designed to mimic on farm obstacles. Handlers were selected using a questionnaire that identified extremes in interpersonal skills. Video recording provided qualitative and quantitative information on the handler and pig behavior and interactions. Salivary cortisol was monitored in humans and pigs prior and during thirty minutes after the completion of the task. When forceful
behavior was used, pig salivary cortisol was high and the completion of the task was not affected. Non-forceful handling was associated with low levels of cortisol and quick completion of the task. In a second experiment, pigs were loaded using hurdles (H) (n=24) or electric prods (E) (n=24). Heart rate and salivary cortisol were monitored for two hours post-loading. Pigs were transported for two hours (n=24; 12 H & 12 E). Behavior observation was carried out using video recorder. Carcass quality was evaluated in 18 animals (9 H and 9 E). Carcass pH, and temperature and color were monitored 45 minutes postmortem. Following a 24 hour chill, the same measures were repeated. Preliminary results showed that the use of electric prod led to a significant increase in body temperature and in heart rate in comparison to animals loaded using hurdles. Handling affected the physiological responses of pigs but no significant changes were observed in indicators of meat quality. Improvement in
pre-slaughter handling, loading and transportation is the most easily remedied barrier to improving beef and pork quality and it could save more that $300 million to the animal industry annually.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Zanella, A.J. 1997. A criacao animal sob o aspecto etico (Ethical aspects associated with animal production systems). Almeida, J. and Navarro, Z. (editors) Conferencia Internacional: Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento Rural Sustentavel (International Conference: Tecnology and Sustainable Development). Editora da Universidade/UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Zanella, A.J. 1997 Consideracoes sobre o bem-estar dos animais: um desafio para os profissionais ligados a pecuaria (Animal welfare: a challenge for the professionals working on animal production).Queridos Animais, Escosteguy, A. (editor), LPM, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Mendl, M.T.; Zanella, A.J.; Broom, D.M. and Whittemore, C.T. 1997. Studying birth sex ratio in domestic pigs: a reply to Meikle et al. Anim. Behav. 53:432-435.
- Lebelt, D.; Zanella, A.; Schonreiter, S. and Unshelm, J. 1997. Branding in foals: effects on beta-endorphin, cortisol and heart rate Proceedings of the 31st International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Schonreiter, S.; Huber, H.; Lohmuller; Zanella, A.; Unshelm, J; Henke, J.; and Erhardt. 1997. Salivary cortisol as a stress parameter in piglets. Proceedings of the 31st International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Schonreiter, S.; Huber, H.; Lohmuller, V.; Unshelm, J.; Zanella, A. and Erhardt, W. 1997. CO2/O2 anesthesia: a method to reduce stress during piglet castration ? (1997) Proceedings of the International Congress of the International Society for Animal Hygiene, Helsink, Finland.
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